Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,290, Rufus Godfrey, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Godfrey, Rufus
N. 24,290
Wealthy
Wilthea
CONTENTS

4088.
Massachusetts
Rufus Godfrey
of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain  of the  commanded by Col. Michele in the  line for  Mar 20 D s
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 25 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Jan 1833 and sent from J. L. Hodges (H. of Reps)
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $38.32 Semizant. allowance ending 1 Mar 33 12.77 $51.09
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Blake Clerk, Book D - Vol. 2 nd Page 54.

895.
Massachusetts
Wealthy Godfrey, widow of Rufus Godfrey.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private .
Report on
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 Dollars 55
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26. day of July 1848. and sent to
Hon. A. Hale H of R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 52 Vol. 2

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Bristol ss.
B. 1832 On the twentieth  seventh day of August personally appeared before the Court of Probate held at Taunton in and for said County of Bristol. Rufus Godfrey a resident of Taunton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, aged Seventy one years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832: - That in the year 1775 he enlisted as a Substitute for Paul Pratt and served as a private in the Army of the Rev. of the Revolution,  ten days , at Dorchester, near Boston. He recollects the name of but one officer, to wit, Lieut. Haskins ; That in the same year he attended his father, a writer about eight days , he having command of troops raised to defend Shirley and New Bedford whither the declarant attended him. He knows of no living witnesses to his services aforesaid. That; That he was in the Expedition to Rhode Island, and served there ten days as a private, under the command of Capt. Jon a Shaw , Lt. Pratt and Ensign Geo. Woodward , at the time of the retreat of the American Troops. He knows of no living witnesses of this service; That he enlisted to serve and did serve as a private, in the army of the Revolution, three months in Warwick and Providence R. Island, in the winter of 1778-'79 - under the immediate command of Capt. Matthew Randall of Easton, Mass., and Lieut. Nathan Haskins and Ensign John Godfrey , of Taunton aforesaid. Other Officers not recollectable by the declarant; That he enlisted and served one month near Snake Hill , on the Island of Rhode Island, in the winter of 1779 1780, as a private, under the immediate command of Capt. Isaac Haskins and Lieut. Nathan Haskins , the other Officers

he does not recollect; - That in the year 1780 he enlisted under Capt. Jacob Perkins, Lieut. Joseph Wilbere and Ensign John Burt all of Scituate aforesaid (Col. Mitchell commanding the Regiment) to march to Connecticut in the State of New York but was ordered with the rest of the Company to the Island of Rhode Island and there served under the Officers before named, three months ,
as a private. That he is seventy one years old & was born in Scituate aforesaid in the year seventeen hundred & sixty one, and has always lived there; that his age is recorded on his father's bible; that he never had a written discharge;
The declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in any State.
Rufus Godfrey
Sworn to & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid
H. Darylin, Judge of Probate.
We Erastus Maltby a clergyman residing in Scituate aforesaid and James L. Hodges residing in the same Scituate hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Rufus Godfrey, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Erastus Maltby James L. Hodges
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
H. Darylin, Judge of Probate
Ans

And the said Court as hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Erastus Mabb who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Taunton in said County of Bristol, and that James L. Woodges who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. Daryle, Judge of Probate.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss.
I Anselm Basset Register of the Court of Probation and for said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Godfrey of Taunton in said County, for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Basset -

Godfrey 588 Nelly Godfrey widow of Rufus. Mass.
at 7. July 31
5 years.
Married in 1785.
aged 7 mo. 20. ds hi $25.55.
deduct - died 31 March 1836.
Don: Commence on 1 Apr. 1836.
A Bapett Fawnier Mass.

State of Massachusetts } Bristol County } on this seventeenth day of August - eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Honorable Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Bristol, Wealthy Godfrey a resident of the Town of Taunton in said County of Bristol aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1830 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Rufus Godfrey late of said Town of Taunton deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and served as she believes, a number of campaigns, or terms of service in that war, but she has no documentary evidence showing any part of his services and she cannot particularly describe them, she therefore refers to his declaration for a pension (and the accompanying papers) made under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832. for proof of his services, and his name, in said war, which are now on file in the pension office at Washington and upon which he was pensioned.
She further declares that she was married to the said Rufus Godfrey on the month of March eighty five seventeen hundred and and that the aforesaid Rufus Godfrey her late husband died on the thirtieth day of March eighteen hundred and thirty six. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz. at the time above stated. That she has remained his widow ever since that time the time of the death of her said husband, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Attest Corron L. Leonard
Wealthy J Godfrey such

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year first above written
Before me Oliver Prescott
I Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that Wealthy Godfrey the foregoing applicant for a pension, cannot by reason of bodily infirmity attend the Court -
Oliver Prescott
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. I Anselm Davenport Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County, do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, is Judge of said Court - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of August Eighteen hundred thirty eight -
A Davenport

"Rufus Godfrey & Welthea Crossman, both of Taunton "entered their intention of marriage January twenty "second, seventeen hundred eighty-five."
I, Edmund Anthony, certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record as found on one of the record books of the town of Taunton, with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair, legible figures, as follows, viz: - "January 22 d 1785"
Edmund Anthony, Town Clerk of Taunton.
I, Edmund Anthony, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Taunton, County of Bristol, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true copy extract from the Records of said town, with the exception above named as certified by me.
Edmund Anthony, Clerk of the town of Taunton aforesaid.
Taunton Aug. 17, 1838.
I certify that no record of the marriage of the above named Rufus Godfrey & Welthea Crossman, appears on the books in the Town Clerks office; but the following is a copy of the record of the births of the children, viz found in the same book with the intentions of marriage, page 177 - viz: -
"The Registry of the Children of Rufus Godfrey of Taunton and Welthea his wife -
" Welthea Godfrey, daughter of Rufus Godfrey was born in Taunton " August ye 17 th 1785 & died Nov. 18, 1810 " Bethiah Godfrey, daughter of Rufus Godfrey was born in Taunton " March the 11 th day 1788, died Jan'y 6, 1821 " Abigail Godfrey, daughter of Rufus Godfrey was born in Taunton " September 5 th 1790

Lydia Godfrey daughter of Rufus Godfrey, was born in Taunton September 18 th 1793, died March 27, 1823 Rufus Godfrey, Son of Rufus Godfrey, was born in Taunton May 23 rd 1795 Job Godfrey, son of Rufus Godfrey, was born in Taunton April ye 9 th 1798 George Gooding Godfrey born Dec r 22 nd 1801 Angelina Godfrey, born June 30, 1807 Dolly Reed Godfrey born Feb y 26, - 1810..
A true copy of the Record
Attest Edmund Anthony Town Clerk of Taunton
Taunton Aug 17, 1838
State of Massachusetts / Bristol County } August 17, 1838. Personally appeared Edmund Anthony Town Clerk of the Town of Taunton, who has subscribed the several certificates & the deposition on this sheet and made oath that the same is true in all its parts
Before me known: Leonard Justin Pease And I do further certify that the said Edmund Anthony is a credible, (in my opinion) disinterested witness.
Leonard Justin Pease

Rufus Godfrey
Pawle
7 Months & 20 days
71.6.6
Attn
$ 25.55-
Hon J. L. Morley
HR

BRIEF in the case of de Bristol
Rufus Godfrey of Taunton  in the State of Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? —  3. How old is he? 71  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     '75 — 10 Salutator Genl Hoskins — recollects no other officer   '75 — to 17 8 waiter to his father   to — 10 private Capt Shaw — Rhode Island Exp.   winter of '78 '9 3 " Capt Randall — don't recollect the other   winter of '79 '80 1 " Capt Hoskins — dth officers   In '80 3 " do — Col. Mitchell  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Taunton  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 2 living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right 
* Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. C. Easton Examining Clerk.

IN REPLYING TO THIS LETTER THE INITIALS IN UPPER RIGHT-HAND CORNER MUST BE REFERRED TO.
O.M.N.  am
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISING ARCHITECT,
Washington, November 12, 1902.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have recently seen a list of pensions for 1840, and find in that list the name of Wiltha Godfrey of Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. I would very much appreciate information as to whether she was the wife or daughter of General George Godfrey of Taunton, Massachusetts, who served in the Revolution, and as to his military record.
Thanking you in advance for the courtesy, I am,
Respectfully,
Edward A. Cram Chief, Engineering and Draughting Division.
[Scribbles]
Wealthy

74 796
3-068. (Old No. 3-649.)
Bureau of Pensions.
Rufus Godfrey Aug 27 1832 Born 1811 Taunton Mass. 71
75 Taunton Mass Lt. Haskins Enl - Pvt - 10 d
76 Capt - Cl - 8 d Opt In Service Cl - 10 d.
Winter 78-9 - Capt. Matthew Randall Pol - per 3 m
79-80 Cpt Jacob Haskins Enl - 1 m 1 m
80. Cpt Do Enl Mitchell per - 3 m
No Pol Maj Wealthy Crossman
mak 1795. Taunton B. mch 31 1836
Her name also spelled Melcher

Mary, Dept
24,290 WIDOW, &c.
Dec. 6-1902 Eliot A. Crane
File No. 24290 Matty Godfrey Wid of Rufus Godfrey Brn Kent wa
Act: Feb 2nd 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 282
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rufus Godfrey
Hon. S. L. Forster

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Rufus Godfrey which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [Handwritten line] IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
2/3
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
[Handwritten flourish]
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
[Handwritten flourish]
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? 2/3
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
2/3
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
2/3
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
2/3
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
2/3
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
† QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Rufus Godfrey Mass. act 7. June 32 - when last frd? E. H. C.
20 Sep 38
Died 31 st March 1836 p to that period
E. H.

Massachusetts - 433
Wathy Godfrey, widow of Rufus Godfrey, dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 32 and who died on the 31 st March 1836 - of Bristol in the State of Mass s - who was a P er in the Com ty commanded by Captain  of the Reg t commanded by Colonel  in the Mass s line for 7 mos & 20 dys
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 2 $ Dollars 5 5 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of Sept 38 and signed A. B.  , Treasurer, Mass s
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept $ 51 10
Semi-annual allowance ending 12 77
$ 63 87
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Book 
R. Burson Clerk, Vol.  - Page 90

X
180
Rep.
Massachusetts
Widow Godfrey
widow of Rufus Godfrey
who was a private
in the Massachusetts line
for 7 months & 20. days.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
25
Dollars 55
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
29 th
day of May 1843.
and sent to
A. Bapett
Saunder Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book
A B.
Vol.
1.
Page

Rufus Godfrey

The Subscriber, Timothy White, a Resident of Taunton, Mass Being seventy one years old, testifies that he has personal knowledge of the following facts, to wit, that Rufus Godfrey of Taunton aforesaid, served, as a private, in the same company with myself, under the command of Capt. Matthew Randall of Canton, & Lieut. Nathan Stock and Ensign John Godfrey, of Taunton aforesaid, three months, in Warwick and Providence R.I. in the winter of 1778-9. In this service we both enlisted; That the said Rufus Godfrey, with myself, in the year 1780, enlisted under Capt. Jacob Perkins, Lieut. Joseph Wilbone and Ensign John Burt all of Taunton, (Col. Mitchell commanding the Regiment) to march to Claverack in the State of New York, but were ordered to the Island of Rhode Island, and there served, the said Rufus, as a private, three months.
Timothy White
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Bristol ss. Taunton Nov. 15. 1832
Then personally appeared Timothy White and made solemn oath that the foregoing statement made and subscribed in my presence, is true according to his best knowl- -edge and belief, — Before me,
James L. Hodges, Jns. Paris,
I further certify that the above named Timothy White, is a credible person. — James L. Hodges, Jns. Paris

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
I Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that James L. Woodges is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol & that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and the seal of said Court this thirty first day of October, eighteen hundred & thirty two.
Anselm Bassett

The Subscriber, Nathaniel Lincoln a resident of Taunton, Mass, aged sixty nine years, testifies, that he knew Capt. Rufus Godfrey of Taunton aforesaid, to have served with him in the Army of the Revolution, in the winter of 1779 1780, near Quaker Hill, so called, on the Island of Rhode Island, about one month, as a private in the same company, under the command of Capt. Jacob Perkins and Lieut. Nathan Flank both of Taunton aforesaid. The Subscriber does not recollect the officers of a higher grade.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bristol ss. Taunton Aug. 15 th 1832
Then personally appeared Nathaniel Lincoln, and made solemn oath, that the foregoing statement made and subscribed in my presence, is true according to his best knowledge and belief — Before me,
James L. Hodgez. Jus. Paris.
I further certify that the above named witness, Nath. Lincoln, is a credible person —
James L. Hodgez. Jus. Paris.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Anselm Bassett, Register of the court of Probate in and for said county do hereby certify that James L. Hodgez is a Justice of the Peace for said county of Bristol & that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
For testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said court this thirty first day of October eighteen hundred thirty two —
Anselm Bassett

Wentworth Godfrey
ad
180
Admitted
A. Hale. Hobbs

State of Massachusetts Bristol County } ss.
fifth
On this sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty eighth. personally appeared before me Cromwell Leonard one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the said County of Bristol, Mealthy Godfrey of Tanton, the Town in which she was born, & has always resided in the said county of Bristol aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1840. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Rufus Godfrey who was a private and served a number of campaigns or terms of service during the Revolutionary war. one of which was three months, and she believes was in Captain Matthew Randall's company & in Col. Daggett Regiment, probably in the year 1778-79. And one other campaign of three months in Capt. Jacob Haskins Company in Col. Mitchell's Regiment probably in 1780. also a number of other short terms of service which she cannot particularly state. He served as she believes in the Massachusetts State Troops. She further Declares that she has received under the Acts of Congress of 1838 & 14th June 1844. twenty five dollars and fifty five cents per annum. She further Declares that she is still a widow. She refers to the declarations made by her said late husband & also by herself now on file in the war office at Washington.
witness Angeline Godfrey
Mealthy Godfrey mark
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written.
Before me Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace And I do further certify that the above declarant is personally known to me and is the identical person who drew a pension as above stated by her.
Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
I, James Spratt, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Lawrence Druan, Esq., whose signature is affixed to the within certificate, is a Justice of the peace, in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths -
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court at Taunton, this fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight -
Jas Spratt

State of Massachusetts } Bristol County }
On this thirteenth day of April - one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for the said County of Bristol. Abigail Godfrey a Resident of Scituate in said County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts Aged Seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the third day of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Rufus Godfrey who was a private and served several campaigns or terms of service in said war, but by reason of age and the impaired state of her memory she is unable to declare the exact amount of his service or the officers under whom he served. But she refers to the proof which was annexed to her declaration for a pension which she made at the time when she was pensioned under the Act of Congress of July 9 th eighteen hundred and thirty eight, by which she was allowed twenty five dollars and fifty five cents annually for nearly five years, now on filing this pension  off at Washington And she does also hereby claim the arrears of the pension which was granted her by the said Act of July 9 th 1838. which amount to the sum of one dollar & eighty three cents. She having been paid only from the first day of April - 1836. to the fourth day of March 1841.
She further declares that she is still a widow and has never intermarried since the death of her late husband the said Rufus Godfrey deceased. Reference to the affidavit of her Abigail Godfrey month -
witness. Calista Hilton Angelina Godfrey

State of Massachusetts Bristol County -
ss - The within declaration was sworn to and subscribed on the within said 13 th day of April 1843. by the within said Wealthy Godfrey. Who is to me well known and personally known.
Before me. Crorn. Leonard Justin Pease
197

I William Reed of Samson in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being of lawful age do hereby testify & say that I have been well acquainted with Mrs Wealthy Godfrey of said Town of Samson for more than thirty years now last past. And I do further testify & say that she is still living & in said Town of Samson, and that she is the identical person who was the wife, and is now the widow of Rufus Godfrey who was a pensioner and is now deceased, and I do further testify and say that the said Wealthy Godfrey has never intermarried since the death of her late husband the said Rufus Godfrey deceased, but continues his widow up to the present day - and that she is the same Wealthy Godfrey who was I believe pensioned as under the Act of Congress of July 7 th 1835, for about five years.
Dated Samson April 13 th 1843.
William Reed
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County William Reed above named personally appeared on this 13 th day of April 1843. personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the said County of Bristol and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts Before me. Brown Leonard Justice Peace
I certify that William Reed who had signed this affidavit is to my well known to be such person & a learned public peace keeper.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. I Andrew Bassett Registrar of the Court of Sessions in for said County do hereby certify that Emmell Leonard whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, was, at the date thereof and still is a Justice of the Peace in for said County —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of April 1843 — A Bassett

I John Reed of Farmton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts being eighty six years of age, do hereby testify & say that I am well acquainted with Wealthy Godfrey widow of Rufus Godfrey late of said Town of Farmton deceased, and that the said Rufus Godfrey was a pensioner of the United States, and that I have known both, the said Rufus Godfrey, and Wealthy Godfrey his said widow from their childhood. They have always been inhabitants of the said Town of Farmton - And I cannot now fix positively the day, nor month of their marriage but know it took place more than fifty years ago, and according to the best of my recollection and belief it was in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five. The said Rufus and Wealthy Godfrey have had a large family of children and the parents, & their children have always sustained fair and respectable characters. John Reed
State of Massachusetts } Bristol County }
August 17. 1838. Personally appeared John Reed subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true, according to the best of his recollection and belief. in all its parts.
Before me known: Leonard Justice Pease
And I do further certify that the said John Reed is a respectable witness, and that he is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County of Bristol, and in my opinion has no interest in obtaining a pension for the above named Wealthy Godfrey.
Known: Leonard Justice Pease

I Hodges Reed of Taunton in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Wealthy Godfrey widow of Rufus Godfrey late of Said Town of Taunton deceased, and I do further testify & say that the Said Wealthy Godfrey has never intermarried with any person since the death of her Said husband the Said Rufus Godfrey, but has continued the widow of the Said Rufus Godfrey up to the present day. I do not recollect precisely the day of the death of the Said Rufus Godfrey but according to the best of my recollection and belief, he died in the month of April March eighteen hundred and thirty six.
Taunton August 10 th 1838.
Hodges Reed.
State of Massachusetts } on the 10 th day of August 1838 personally Bristol County } appeared Hodges Reed subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts
Before me Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace - And I do further certify that the Said Hodges Reed is a credible & disinterested witness Cromwell Leonard Justice Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Bristol ss. I Amos D. Farnsworth Register of the Court of Probate in the Said County do hereby certify that Cromwell Leonard whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Certificate is a Justice of the Peace in the Said County - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of Said Court this eighteenth day of August Eighteen hundred thirty six A. D. Farnsworth